Garmin Approach R10 Review: Practice On The Go
Personal launch monitors and golf simulators have exploded over recent years.
Garmin is a known name brand in producing quality GPS watches or handheld units but delivered on their launch monitor.
The Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor is an exciting piece of golf technology with great data analytics coming in under $1,000, which is a steal.
This ultimate Garmin Approach R10 review covers every aspect of the popular personalized launch monitor: pricing, features, add-ons, and more.
Let’s get started!
Garmin Approach R10 Overview.
The Garmin Approach R10 is a portable and lightweight monitor that can be used at home, indoors, or in the driving range with its Doppler Radar Technology.
The launch monitor helps track 14 different key metrics to help better your shot consistency. Yes, 14 different data points!
With a training mode feature, you can dial down your golf strengths plus any areas for improvement.
The recording feature is also a great bonus to critique your swing and adjust from prior sessions.
What’s in the box?
- Approach R10
- Tripod Stand
- Phone mount
- Carry Case
- MicroUSB cable
- Instructions
Best Features of Garmin Approach R10.
Setting up the Approach R10.
The first step is to download the Garmin Golf App and pair your smartphone (available for iOS or Android).
Install the tripod mount and securely attach the R10 unit to the stand. It’s that easy.
Place the Approach R10 stand 6-8 feet behind the tee location. If using a net, place at least 8 feet from the net.
Position the launch monitor such that the red alignment line on the face is aligned with the ball and intended target line.
Wait for the LED indicator to start flashing green and start swinging away.
Radar Metrics & Accuracy.
Approach R10 measures 5 main data metrics directly with the given accuracies provided by Garmin:
- Club head speed: +/- 3 mph
- Ball speed: +/- 1 mph
- Launch angle: +/- 1 degree
- Launch direction: +/- 1 degree
- Carry distance: +/- 5 yards
And 9 data metrics indirectly:
- Club face angle
- Club path angle
- Angle of attack
- Spin Axis
- Spin Rate
- Apex Height
- Smash Factor
- Total Distance
- Deviation Distance
Video Recording.
The Approach R10 automatically records all your shots and practice sessions. Review and analyze your swing with video clips that feature real stats overlaid on each shot.
This is a great feature that allows you to send footage to a PGA professional or course instructor.
Golf Simulation Apps.
Driving Range Mode
The featured mode simulates shot trajectory and distance on a virtual driving range. You can also see the following feedback from your session:
- Dispersion map of all your shots
- Total shot count
- Number of shots per club
- Minimum, average, and max distance per club
- Average carry distance for each club
Home Tee Hero
Garmin offers a Premium Subscription for its golf simulation software, Home Tee Hero. With home tee hero, you have access to 42,000 real courses even your home courses!
The software allows you to play with up to 4 players and participate in weekly tournaments with golfers around the world.
The graphics are cartoonish, resembling Wii golf in a sense, except you get to hit golf balls.
E6 CONNECT Software
E6 CONNECT is an extremely established well-known simulator software company. They offer cleaner and much more realistic graphics for the user play experience.
Garmin Approach R10 Pricing.
The Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor costs $599.99. Depending on the model, launch monitors can range from $5,000 to $20,000.
The Garmin Golf app is free to use for the Approach R10.
Garmin offers a premium membership that costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 for the year. The membership gives you access to Home Tee Hero, weekly tournaments, and the ability to store video clips in the cloud.
As for the E6 CONNECT software, it’s a little more on the pricier side. The basic 1-year subscription costs $300 and a permanent license for $2,500.
Garmin Approach R10 Pros & Cons.
Garmin Approach R10 Pros (Green Flags):
Here are some of the pros that make Garmin Approach stand out from its counterparts:
- Lightweight, small, portable
- Use at home, outdoors, or driving range
- 14 different data metrics
- Price point under $1,000
- 10 hours of battery life
- Records every swing
- Compatible with E6 connect software
- Access to 42,000 virtual global courses
- Waterproof
Garmin Approach R10 Cons (Red Flags):
- Photorealistic graphics are available with the purchase of E6 connect software
- Subscription required to play on Home Tee Hero and E6 Connect
- Slightly less accurate indoors
Wrap-up.
The Garmin Approach R10 is without a doubt becoming the most hyped portable launch monitor for its ease of use, accuracy, and great value. This is a great aid to help dial in all the clubs in your bag. On the other side, the Approach R10 comes with entertainment features such as Home Tee Hero and E6 CONNECT to get you through the long winter off-season.
Get started with the Garmin Approach R10 today.